E.D. Hirsch Jr.What Your Fifth Grader Needs to Know: Fundamentals of a Good Fifth-Grade Education (Core Knowledge Series)

What your 5th/6th grader needs to know books helped me pass my MTEL (MA teacher's elementary general curriculum test) on the first try. I had graduated college 20 years prior to taking the mtels so these books are good refreshers. It doesn't go into deep details however it was easy enough to google any subject mentioned in the book to expand my knowlege. Many of the answers to test questions are found in these books. Also, if you are getting these books as an mtel prep then also get a $39 (or so, no need for the more expensive ones) mtel gen curriculum study guide which supplements these books and sometimes gives me details. For example, the 5th grade book mentions tensions leading up to the Civil War but doesn't mention the Nebraska Kentucky Act but the guide does...the mtels includes obsure knowledge to all extra info is needed. To pass MTELs you need a thorough understanding of the topic objectives and be apply your knowlege to answer the questions so the more guides the better.

I'm a big proponent of Core Knowledge schools since an organized curriculum that sequentially goes from grade to grade is sorely lacking in many public schools today. Too many elementary classrooms are guided simply by what a given teacher is interested in and there is often no consistency even within grade levels in a single school. Core Knowledge maps out a curriculum of what students should be taught during each elementary grade so they have the skills and knowledge educated people commonly possess. The What Your____________ Grader Needs To Know book series by E.D. Hirsch Jr. is the general outline for what is taught in each grade in Core Knowledge. The fifth grade book is very readable for a student of that age but also interesting enough for the parent to be genuinely engaged with the material. Poems and other samples from literature are included along with the math, science, social studies, art and language sections. This can be a useful supplemental book to a child following any curriculum but every parent whose child is in a core knowledge school will want to have access to this book.

Seems a good secular resource for homeschooling with some Christian discussion, but certain general subject matter does not match up with all homeschooling curriculums or even public schools for that grade-level. (Subject matter may have been taught in another grade). Math seems on target though. An important note for those hoping for worksheets: there are none to be had no matter what reviews say. The Core Knowledge website contains a free grade/subject specific downloadable curriculum only. The book contained no worksheets either. Keep expectations measured with this in mind. It is only useful as a supplemental resource.

I have bought these books every year to help with my homeschooling. I love the content. However, the other versions had color coded sections and images. This is completely black and white. My version for 4th grade was revised in 2015. I am wondering if there is another version of this with a more current date?

While this is not to be used as a full curriculum or should it be considered "everything you have to teach your child this year". It is an excellent tool for either home schooling or extra learning for a traditionally schooled child. The lessons are brief and to the point. It is set up to be discussed with or read with your child but you can also assign your child to read a few lessons/pages himself. It covers everything from poetry to various history and geography, to art and music, math and science. All in short "lessons" that can be read or discussed in few minutes.As a new homeschool family I use this for a basis to create units and spelling words. I also assign my 5th grader passages to read out loud to me while I am making lunch or putting away laundry.

I bought this book along with the 6th grade version of this series to study for my CSET. In my other review, I stated that it has a ton of information that is useful for both parents and teachers, as well as students for this grade level. It gives great information that is easy to understand. This book is amazing and I love the quality of the pages! It's definitely worth the price. I love it and would recommend it to anyone that's studying for the CSET, or if you just want to catch up your students/children on fifth grade topics!

I am using this as a guide to tutor a fifth grader. I am a retired teacher and have used K-4 for instruction to keep me on track. Good resource!

I've purchased our very first "What your Kindergartner needs to know" before our firstborn was five. Ever since then we had a copy for each grade of our three children. Nowadays, with limited communications, international schools not using enough books, I would feel very much left out if I didn't have my trusted copy. Parents, please be aware that you may have to supplement at home. Don't entrust your children completely to the school but be involved. It's easy enough to read the pages to the children or have the older ones read it for themselves (with guidance and feedback). A must have for every child's home!